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BEIJING, Sept.17 (Xinhuanet) -- The 2015 Aviation Expo has opened in Beijing. The four-day event will highlight the strides made in aviation in China and around the world. Day 1 focused on Chinese airlines.
This year's Aviation Expo has gathered more than 140 companies from 16 countries. Each eager to showcase its latest models. On Wednesday, all eyes were on China's first home-made civil aircraft.
"The ARJ-21 is the first regional jet we've developed. For the past six months, it's been doing trial flights. The plane is expected to be delivered to the Chinese market at the end of this year," said Dang Tiehong, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China.
With a spacious cabin, the ARJ-21 can adapt to high temperatures and fly easily in mountainous areas. The model has already had some success.
"We have also signed a deal with the Republic of Congo. Three ARJ-21 planes will be delivered to them by 2016. "
This comes as part of the China Africa Aviation Regional Cooperation Plan. Initiated by Premier Li Keqiang during his visit to Africa in 2014, the plan aims to strengthen China's cooperation with Africa in its regional airline network construction.
China has opened four direct routes to Africa, including Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa and Maritius. The plan is by 2020, China is going to build two marketing centers, one training center, two maintenance centers and three spare parts centers, in what is known as the “2123 plan.”
"China's input in various sectors in Africa is very good. We hope also that the relationship between China and Africa in aviation is going to be a very good input in our different countries in Africa," said Andre Boluka, CEO of Group Services.
With the Expo set to continue over the coming days, China's aviation industry has already signaled its clear intention to fly as high as its global rivals.
(Source: CNTV.cn)
